Ticks can transmit viruses into the human body when they bite, which can trigger tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Other ticks can transmit bacteria that cause Lyme disease. While Lyme disease can be treated well with antibiotics, there is currently no medication against TBE – only a vaccine. We will tell you how you can protect yourself from TBE!
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Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis
If you are traveling in the areas of southern Germany, especially in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, in high grass or in the undergrowth, you should find out about the possible TBE vaccination before you leave. Since the virus can cause inflammation of the brain, meninges or spinal cord, which in the worst case can be life-threatening, adequate protection against ticks is essential.
Basic immunization
Three vaccinations are required for the basic immunization. After the first vaccination, the second dose follows about one to three months later. The third vaccination dose after another 5-12 or 9-12 months. Protection is already 14 days after the second vaccination. For longer-lasting protection, the third vaccination should be carried out. In order to be protected for the TBE season, you should start the vaccination series in winter.
Booster vaccination
If the risk of infection persists, a first booster vaccination is recommended after three years. Further refreshers are due every five years.
Rapid schedule If rapid
protection is required, vaccination can be carried out according to the rapid schedule. The vaccination scheme depends on the vaccine used. So e.g. B. a vaccination that lasts for a year and a half can be administered again three to five weeks after the first vaccination. Ideal for e.g. B. to be protected when traveling to risk areas planned at short notice.
Protection against ticks
Caution is always required in risk areas. Protect yourself from ticks with these tips:
- Avoid staying in tall grass or undergrowth. That’s where most ticks lurk.
- Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts. In this way the ticks do not get onto the skin as quickly .
- Wear light-colored clothing: ticks are easier to spot on them.
- Tuck your pant legs into socks to prevent ticks from crawling under clothing.
- Use an insect repellent. After one to three hours, however, the protection must be renewed.
- Check your body after each stay in tick areas. Particularly thin and warm areas of skin, such as the hollows of the knees, neck, head, arms, genital area and feet are very popular with ticks.
- Even after a tick bite, a TBE vaccination can help to avoid contracting the virus.
